As we move into the height of summer, and after a couple of recent heatwaves across the UK, horse owners are once again facing the challenges that come with rising temperatures. What should be long, enjoyable days in the saddle often turn into careful planning around heat, flies, hydration, and keeping horses comfortable in changing conditions.
With that in mind, we’ve pulled together a simple summer care checklist to help keep your horse feeling their best through the warmer months.
Summer Care Checklist:
- Fresh water always – Encourage consistent hydration, especially after exercise or turnout. Consider adding electrolytes or salt to the diet to replace minerals lost in sweat
- Shade and airflow – Prioritise well-ventilated stabling or access to natural shade. Consider installing fans in stables and transport.
- Cooler turnout times – Early mornings and late evenings are best during hot spells.
- Fly control – Essential during humid periods and heatwaves when insects are at their worst.
- Smart exercise planning – Work in cooler parts of the day and allow proper recovery time.
- Hoof care checks – Dry ground and changing moisture levels can quickly impact hoof condition.
One of the most important parts of summer care is helping horses recover comfortably after exercising in hot or humid conditions. Rapid cooling and effective post-work routines can make a real difference to overall wellbeing, particularly during heatwaves when temperatures remain high in the evening.
For everyday recovery support, Absorbine® CoolDown is a useful addition to the grooming kit. Designed to refresh and cool the horse after exercise, it helps support post-work recovery and lifts out sweat and grime, whether sponging off sweaty areas, or giving a full body wash. It’s especially useful during warmer spells when horses can take longer to return to a comfortable temperature.
Fly pressure is another key summer challenge, particularly after warm or wet periods when insect activity increases. Absorbine® offers a range of fly control solutions, including UltraShield insecticide and protective options such as fly masks, helping to support comfort whether horses are in the stable or out on grass.
Hoof care also becomes increasingly important throughout the summer. Hard, dry ground followed by sudden rain can quickly affect hoof condition. Hooflex® Frog and Sole Care helps support hoof hygiene and overall condition, while Hooflex® Natural Hoof Dressing helps to maintain correct moisture balance during these fluctuating seasonal changes.
While the British summer is never entirely predictable, a consistent routine and a few trusted essentials can go a long way in keeping horses comfortable, healthy, and happy throughout the season.